Source: SKY_Sports
Hammers offer Clarke extension
West Ham have approached assistant boss Steve Clarke about extending his contract - but he is in no rush to sign.[LNB] The former Chelsea number two signed a three-year deal earlier in the season when he switched to Upton Park as assistant to boss Gianfranco Zola.[LNB]The pair have been linked with a move back to Chelsea at the end of the season and the Hammers' decision to offer the pair contract extensions is a clear indication of their desire to head off any potential summer move.[LNB]But Clarke, while flattered by the extension offer, is in no hurry to sign.[LNB]"I think Gianfranco is in discussions with the club about extending his contract, the club have approached me about the same," he said.[LNB]Good discussions"We have had good discussions but I have only just arrived and already they are talking about extending so it means we have done something right.[LNB]"Discussions are ongoing but it will be sorted when it is sorted. There is no great rush to do anything. I signed here for almost three years and I will have two years left come the summer, so there is no rush. There is no rush on my side or the side of the club."[LNB]He added he is enjoying his time at Upton Park.[LNB]"I think it was a strange move for a lot of people when I came here but I feel justified in making the move," he said, adding he is pleased with how the Hammers have done until now.[LNB]"We would like to see the job out and finish in seventh."[LNB]Chelsea gameThe Hammers entertain Chelsea on Saturday and asked if it was a good time to be playing the Blues, he said: "They are in the middle of a difficult run of matches, a lot of big games. I'm sure maybe they'll think about resting one or two players against us at the weekend.[LNB]"But it is only a great time to play them if you beat them after the match. Before the game, I'm sure they'll approach it, they won't want to lose, it's a big London derby. [LNB]"It will be a difficult, difficult game."[LNB]But he is hopeful of a result, saying: "We have been playing well recently but we haven't beaten one of the big teams yet and it would be nice to start at the weekend.[LNB]"It is just another game for me. It is three more points in the chase for a place in Europe.[LNB]"I had great times at Chelsea but it has gone, it is in the past and I have to look forward. I am at West Ham now."[LNB]
